Argentina’s victory over Chile in Copa America 2024 brought mixed emotions for Lionel Messi’s fans. Argentina’s 1-0 win at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday night secured their spot in the quarterfinals, but Messi’s performance left many fans worried.
Messi, who turned 37 just a day before the match, didn’t score for the second consecutive game. The real concern came in the 25th minute when Messi had his right groin/adductor area massaged by a trainer. Despite finishing the match, Messi admitted to feeling discomfort. “In the first play, my adductor got hard. I didn’t feel a puncture or a tear, but I did find it difficult to move freely,” Messi said in a post-match interview.
According to Argentine news outlet TYCSports, Messi will undergo evaluation for his injury. He may miss Argentina’s next group match against Peru at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, his current home. Messi expressed hope that his injury isn’t serious: “I was able to [finish the match], so I hope it’s nothing serious.”
For Messi’s fans, especially those in Miami, the prospect of him missing the game is disappointing. Argentina, with six points in Group A, has already secured a spot in the quarterfinals. With Canada in second place with three points, and Chile and Peru at the bottom with one point each, Argentina can afford to rest Messi in the next match.
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, indicated that the match against Peru offers a chance to rotate the squad. “We are satisfied, and we can enjoy the days, and give the youngest ones minutes,” Scaloni said, hinting that younger players might get a chance to play.
Messi’s health is crucial not just for Argentina’s Copa America campaign but also for his club, Inter Miami, and the broader push for soccer’s popularity in the U.S. with the 2026 World Cup approaching. Messi missed several games last season due to similar injuries and has also dealt with a hamstring issue this MLS season.
While fans hope to see Messi on the pitch, his long-term health takes priority. The upcoming match against Peru could be a chance for Messi to rest and recover, ensuring he remains fit for the rest of the tournament and beyond.
